VIENNESE WALTZ

History

Although commonly believed to have originated in Austria in the early 1800’s, it is known that a dance with similar characteristics was popular with French Peasants in the mid 1500’s. The dance was known at the time as the “Volta”, (Italian for “the turn.”) The dance as we know it was immortalized in the 1800’s by such composers as Joseph Lanner and Johann and Josef Strauss. In the middle of the 20th century, the German, Paul Krebs choreographed the Viennese Waltz style to which we dance today. The dance enjoys a great deal of popularity not only in Europe but also in America, and has been used in many Hollywood productions.

Characteristics

This dance progresses in a counter-clockwise direction and is continually revolving. Because of the speed and rotation involved, there is much less rise and fall than the Slow Waltz, but a greater use of sway is needed to control the turns.

Music

Danced in 3/4 timing the music has recurring even beats. However, there is a pronounced accent that occurs on the first beat of each measure. The basic count for Viennese Waltz is 1, 2, 3.